Embedded Linux: Learn Embedded Linux with Perfect Basics

4 min

People having vast knowledge in embedded system programming like PIC, and programming skills with 32-bit processors like PowerPC, but some wouldn’t have the Linux experience. So if you’re are one of them or someone who is determined to learn Embedded Linux here is the crucial start up guide that will help you in your course.

If you’re a newbie to the Linux embedded then you’d have to know what Linux is. And further we can proceed about the embedded Linux.

For now lets us split the course into two one us Linux part and the other us embedded part. Here we will see about the Linux part as the start up.

First Lesson on Embedded Linux

The operating system is altering one, which will be always updated concurrently. And there are many choices for embedded system in both open source and proprietary. And Linux is one of the choice (obviously, one of the best). It is a matter of time in which you have to learn how to develop in your host, no matter whatever the platform you’re doing with (Linux, windows or Mac). In this perspective, using the Linux doesn’t differ from using windows CE, VXworks or any other OS.

The mandatory thing is you should how to configure, how the OS is designed and should know how to program with its API (Application program interface). There are few factors that intrigue in learning the programming with Linux rather than other OS’s.

Before you dive into some interior things in Linux you’d have to know the basic functionalities and concrete based stuffs. Not to mention that, the web is full of sources to learning everything. If you ask us how to do it, here are some tips and quick grabbing stone in the pile of sources out there.

– Start up with the basic UNIX tutorial (from which the Linux is derived).

– Then you should grab the step by step tutorial for Linux.

There are ample number of resources on the web about the Linux and other OS, and you can know the nitty-gritty of the corresponding OS (about Linux in our course).

For your concerns let me start up with some essential things you should know about Linux. If you have read the basic articles this might be familiar to you, but this is for people who don’t have a trail off.

Linux is an open source operating system, as you can see/read the codes so that you can get a clear idea of what actually is happening in the operating system. However, as a newbie it is simply impossible penetrate into the complicated coding of the proprietary distributed OS. I would say (it’s like while trying to peddling in boat by learning the complex transmission design).

So, a linear knowledge about the Linux is highly recommended to dive into the main course (complicated codes of embedded Linux).

The most important factor you have to know while you are driving on a course with Linux is that it is distinct from other OS’s with the use of same kernel in all the systems. From the tiniest embedded systems to large server all of them are designed with same kernel.

The factor that motivates is that, you can learn a pile of Linux programming in a place that it is flexible for you “your desktop”. Rather than hitting you head with complex circuit connection which will make your hike in Linux a serious nightmare (not if you’re so desperate). By this you can simply avoid the complication with great deal of complex connection to the target and downloading the teat programs, testing them as whole.

In fact, the basic concepts are more likely same as in your desktop Linux and in your embedded Linux.

How to Install Linux: Starting Up the Lesson for Embedded Linux

You can install the Linux on your desktop by replacing the windows CE or Mac. However, it is a huge turn over as you have to learn new tools, have to configure you mails and hope up with the speed difference and interface of the desktop. Moreover, you can install the Linux in dual-boot environment, in which you can carry out your learning courses. This will keep your email environment and keep you in touch with the platform you rolled all over. However, there is some bit of difficulties as you have to shut down one environment to start up the other.

If you’re having some serious confusion over the two environments then you may consider using a virtual machine to maintain your Linux OS.

If you’re using windows OS then consider using a VMware player and for Mac users Virtual box might be helpful. The VM machines will bring some great deal of flexibility over your learning course. You can install the desktop version of Linux like Ubuntu, Fedora or any other as you desire to start you Linux lessons.

Through this distribution you can learn the necessary basic steps and compile and test the shell programs. Learn the shell concepts, which will help you out in getting deep into your course. You can also learn how to code and run programs with Linux.

Then extend the course by learning to reconfigure the drivers and kernels. Plus, you test drive wont crash you machine in any ways. In addition, you can implement an entire application environment and kernel which is similar in what you’ll do in your cross development environment in Embedded Linux. On your course you might crash you VM often, as an intended learner often people might get to this point at least once in their course. In that case, you should restart your VM. Nevertheless, there will no affect on your mundane activities like reading, surfing through the internet etc. This will give you complete free way in which you can drive you course car without damaging anything as many would do.

In addition, some of the VM tools will have the snapshot feature in which you can have the check points on your working configuration. This might be beneficial if you can’t resolve the crash issue, you can simply revert to the stable stage. This snapshot feature gives you fast and easy recovery system in which you could get back on the track with ease (Simply you won’t have a serious damage). Although even if you are using a Linux OS in VM, doesn’t make champion in Embedded Linux and not to mention it is not the exact model of the Embedded Linux, still this course will put you in the right track where things would be far more simpler then it was before.

The platform for learning would be set perfectly for learning (for what you have came for) Embedded Linux. The crucial first step is to set up a VM on your desktop and learn the basic step before you’ll start to run (learning Embedded Linux).

With the flatter mind and right starter, now you can dive whole into your Embedded Linux lessons with confidence.

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